Authentic Thai Green Mango Salad (Som Tam Mamuang): A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

2 cups of shredded green mango
2 Thai red chili peppers
1 tablespoon of sugar
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tablespoon of lime juice
2 cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon of dried shrimp
2 tablespoons of roasted peanuts
1 medium-sized tomato, cut into small pieces
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps and instructions

Cut the green mango into thin strips or shred them using a grater. Set them aside.
In a mortar, add the garlic and Thai chili peppers. Pound them together to make a paste.
Add the sugar to the mortar and continue pounding until it's well mixed with the garlic and chili paste.
Add the fish sauce and lime juice to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
Add the shredded mango, dried shrimp, and diced tomato to the mortar. Use the pestle to lightly pound and mix the ingredients together. The aim is to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once the ingredients are well mixed and the mango has absorbed the flavors, transfer the salad to a serving plate.
Garnish with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for chopping and slicing the ingredients.
Knife - Used for cutting the mango, chili peppers, garlic, and tomato.
Mortar and pestle - Used for pounding the chili peppers, garlic, and mixing the ingredients together.
Grater - Used for shredding the green mango.
Serving plate - Used for presenting and serving the Som Tam Mamuang.

Recipe variations

Add grilled shrimp or cooked chicken to make it a heartier meal.
Replace the green mango with green papaya for a different flavor and texture.
Include other vegetables such as carrots, cucumber, or bell peppers for added crunch and color.
Experiment with the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of Thai chili peppers.
Add a tablespoon of tamarind paste for a tangy twist.
For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
Add a tablespoon of honey or palm sugar instead of regular sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Include chopped roasted cashews or almonds instead of peanuts for a different nutty flavor.
Squeeze in some fresh orange or pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
For a refreshing twist, add some finely chopped mint leaves or Thai basil.

Recipe overview

Som Tam Mamuang, also known as Thai Green Mango Salad, is a vibrant and refreshingly tangy dish that originates from Thailand. This salad is a delightful blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and umami flavors, offering a sensational feast for your taste buds. The main ingredient is shredded green mango, which lends a unique tartness that is balanced by the richness of fish sauce and the heat from Thai chili peppers. Tossed with dried shrimp, diced tomatoes, roasted peanuts, and fresh cilantro, this salad is not just delicious but also packed with nutritional value. Get ready to prepare this easy and quick salad that is sure to add a splash of exotic flavors to your meal!

Common questions

Can I use ripe mango instead of green mango? No, for this recipe it is important to use green, unripe mango as it provides a tangy and crunchy texture that complements the other ingredients.
Is there a substitute for fish sauce? You can try using soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Can I adjust the spice level? Yes, you can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of Thai red chili peppers used. Keep in mind that Thai chili peppers are quite spicy, so adjust according to your preference.
Can I make this recipe in advance? While it's best to enjoy Som Tam Mamuang immediately after preparing it, you can make the salad in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours. However, keep in mind that the texture of the mango may become softer over time.
What can I serve with Som Tam Mamuang? Som Tam Mamuang is often enjoyed as a side dish with grilled meats such as chicken or pork. It can also be served alongside sticky rice or as a refreshing salad on its own.

Serving dishes and utensils

Knife - A sharp knife is essential for cutting the mango, garlic, chili peppers, and tomato.
Mortar and Pestle - Used to pound and mix the ingredients, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Grater - If you prefer to shred the mango instead of cutting it into strips, a grater is helpful.
Serving Plate - A plate or platter for presenting the Som Tam Mamuang salad.

Origin stories

Som Tam Mamuang, also known as Green Mango Salad, is a popular dish hailing from the vibrant culinary landscape of Thailand. This tangy and refreshing salad is a staple in Thai cuisine, with its origins rooted in the northeastern region of Isan. In the muggy heat of Thailand, green mangoes were abundant and locals sought to create a dish that would provide a cooling effect against the tropical climate. Thus, Som Tam Mamuang was born - a perfect blend of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. Just like the country it comes from, this salad is a harmonious mix of contrasting elements, embodying the Thai philosophy of balancing different flavors in each dish. Whether you find it in the bustling street markets of Bangkok or a humble home kitchen, Som Tam Mamuang is a testament to Thailand's rich culinary heritage and its people's resourcefulness in making the most out of locally available ingredients.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.